The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly defended his decision to revoke land belonging to former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, insisting he has no apologies for enforcing the FCT’s ground rent policy. Wike made this declaration during the 60th birthday celebration of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, held at the newly renovated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja over the weekend.
Addressing dignitaries at the event, Wike stated that the FCT Administration, under his leadership, will not hesitate to repossess any land where owners fail to pay the required ground rent. “Rochas Okorocha is here, he is my boss, even though I revoked his land because the right thing must be done, he is my man,” Wike said, emphasizing the impartial enforcement of the policy.
He further warned other property owners that non-payment of ground rent would result in similar actions. “Senators are here, Ikpeazu, my colleagues are here, yes, if you don’t pay, I will take back our property,” he declared.
Wike assured Abuja property owners that prompt payment of ground rent would guarantee them the best services from the FCT Administration. He highlighted recent infrastructural improvements, referencing the work done by Julius Berger at the conference centre, and stressed that such progress is only possible when obligations are met. “Pay and you will get the best services, and you are getting the best services under the leadership of Tinubu. I have no apologies because I’m the one here,” Wike concluded.